Chikungunya Virus Facts: Everything to Know About the Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease

There is a rise in chikungunya cases in the Philippines, so it is high time to know more about the condition.

Chikungunya Infection on the Rise in the Philippines

The DOH said in a new report released in January 2023 that CALABARZON, Central Visayas, and Davao recorded their highest chikungunya cases with 155, 127, and 114 cases, respectively, Rappler reported.

According to Outbreak News Today, from January 2022 to Dec. 17, 2022, 600 cases were reported nationally. The figure shows a 552% increase compared to the same period in 2021, when only 92 cases were reported.

What is Chikungunya?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined Chikungunya as a "mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)." The virus is carried by two mosquitoes - Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The same mosquitoes can also transmit dengue and Zika viruses.

Among the most common symptoms is the abrupt onset of fever with joint pain. Other symptoms include pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rashes.

A person with Chikungunya may experience severe joint pain for a few days. However, it can persist for months or years. Severe cases can cause long-term symptoms and even death among older people.

The symptoms of Chikungunya are similar to dengue and Zika viruses. In some cases, it can be misdiagnosed.

The accompanying joint pain is the only symptom that distinguishes it from the two.

A person can confirm infection through a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of blood samples.

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How to Control Chikungunya Virus

The Chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. However, more cases happen when an uninfected mosquito bites an infected person, making it a virus carrier.

The mosquito will replicate the virus over several days and transmit it to the next human that is bitten. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) added that it could be transmitted through blood and in utero (mother to baby).

To control the spread of Chikungunya, it's best to minimize skin exposure by wearing clothing that covers the legs and arms. Experts also suggest the use of insect repellant to keep mosquitoes away. Applying screens on windows and doors is also helpful to keep insects out of your home.

It is also important to control the growth of mosquitoes. Chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes lay their eggs in containers with stagnant water, so it's best to empty them. By doing this, you can reduce their breeding sites.

When one is infected with Chikungunya, the best thing to do is to take enough rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines like analgesics and antipyretics such as paracetamol or acetaminophen may help relieve symptoms like pain and fever.

However, one may only take it once the infection is confirmed that it's not dengue. Otherwise, it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Chikungunya has no specific antiviral treatment. There is also no vaccine to prevent it.